The 2022 NFL season might be the year of the Denver Broncos. With a re-tooled roster behind Russell Wilson, the Broncos have a legitimate case to be this year’s darkhorse Super Bowl candidate. At +1700 currently, Denver offers a great value pick amongst Super Bowl futures.
Denver Broncos General Manager George Paton shook up the NFL world in the offseason by pulling the trigger and trading for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson. In exchange for the best quarterback on Denver’s roster since Payton Manning retired, the Broncos only gave up Noah Fant, Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and a host of draft picks. However, this trade might be the one to elevate the Mile High City back to Super Bowl status.
The Russell Wilson Effect
Wilson fills the hole at quarterback that has plagued the Broncos since 2016. The dual-threat QB enters into a surprisingly talented roster on offense. Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Tim Patrick are all more than capable options at reciever. The Broncos also have multiple options at running back behind Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III.
New Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett
It’s no secret that Wilson will be the X-factor for the Broncos success this season. However, new head coach Nathaniel Hackett brings a much needed change from Vic Fangio. Hackett, who served as the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers is no stranger to working with talented quarterbacks. Spending time with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, Bronco fans should be exctied about the incoming offensive fireworks that were absent in recent years.
The Defense
This Broncos defense might rival that of 2016 Super Bowl team. Behind the leadership of Bradley Chubb upfront and an extremely talented secondary with the likes of Kareem Jackson, Justin Simmons, and Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos should be one of the better defenses in the league. Last season, the Denver was the third ranked defense in the NFL behind only Buffalo and New England, respectively.
There aren't many safeties in the @NFL better than Justin Simmons@jsimms1119 | @Broncos pic.twitter.com/5vKXaeZbsM
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) July 25, 2022
Strength of Schedule
The only drawback for Broncos bettors this season could be their schedule. Denver plays in arguably the toughest division in the NFL in the AFC West. Facing Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, and Derek Carr twice each will be a challenge. Sports Illustrated ranks the Broncos strength of schedule at 15, exactly in the middle of the league. However, their divisional and conference crossover games against the AFC South and NFC West are certainly winnable.
By no means are the Broncos a lock to attend Super Bowl LVII in Arizona. However, their new offensive additions paired with a stifling defense could put Denver in a position to compete for the title of Super Bowl sleeper in 2022.
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